SEAL Mountain Man (A Navy SEAL Brotherhood Romance)

by Ivy Jordan

  “You fuckin’ bastard, I ought to shoot your ass for making me climb this mountain,” I called back.

  “Elijah!” his voice was friendlier, and once he stepped forward, his face recognizable. “You pussy, you took the easy way,” he teased.

  The easy way?

  “You better have a cold beer,” I demanded.

  Xander laughed as he extended his hand to mine. I gripped on, letting him pull me across the waterway and up the last small hill to his land. Land I was certain he didn’t own but claimed like a damn hippie. “I’ve got something better than that,” he smirked, releasing my hand a little too soon. I nearly fell back onto my ass and was glad Xander had turned, missing my struggle.

  His sandy blond hair had grown long, flowing past his shoulders, and the goatee he sported made him look like a wild man, but I guess that’s what he was, what he’d always been.

  “Come on in,” he offered, pushing the front door to the cabin open as he walked through.

  “How did you find this place?” I asked, looking around the cabin in awe. It was nice: really fuckin’ nice.

  “Find it?” he snorted. “This has been in my family for years,” he boasted.

  I pulled off my wet boots, and then my socks that were sticking to my waterlogged feet. The place was too nice to dirty up, so I left them by the door. “You still like whiskey?” Xander called from the kitchen.

  I never really liked whiskey, but I did drink it a time or two when I was thinking about my dad. I guess now, here back in Molokai, dad’s ashes sitting on the kitchen counter next to the coffee grounds, this was the time for whiskey. “Sure,” I called back, still amazed at the modernization of the place. A dark brown leather sectional spread through the middle of the large front room, a TV, larger than I’d ever seen hung on the wall, and a laptop was open, appearing to be onlin, sitting on the plank wood coffee table.

  “This place is incredible,” I gasped as Xander reappeared in the room with two glasses in his hands.

  “Here,” he handed me one, the smell of whiskey strong coming from the glass, reminding me of my dad and his iron fist. “Yeah, I spruced it up a bit,” he smirked.

  I noticed a monitor on the wall, large, and with six split screens. It was scanning the perimeter of his land from every angle. “You saw me coming, ya asshole,” I scorned.

  Xander laughed. “Yeah. I just thought it would be funny to watch you squirm a bit,” he admitted.

  “So, how do you keep supplies, and how the hell are you getting electricity way up here?” I questioned.

  “Generator, and I make a trip to town twice a week,” he said casually, like it was normal to live in the damn woods, more like rainforest, on top of a mountain with no path.

  “You’ve always been eccentric,” I smiled, and then took a sip of the whiskey in my hand. “Damn, that’s smooth,” I marveled, swirling the brown liquid around in the glass.

  “I made it myself,” he grinned. “I started a company while I was in the States. You can get Xander Whiskey in fifteen states now, and Hawaii is next on the list,” he added.

  “Well, that explains where you’re getting all the money to supply this place,” I chuckled, taking another sip. It was really fuckin’ good. My dad would’ve loved to have got on a good drunk with this stuff.

  “So, how did you know I was in Hawaii?” I questioned.

  “Ahhh, I know where all you boys are. I keep a pretty close eye on my brothers,” he slapped me on the back as he walked past me to the couch. “Sit down and relax,” he offered, motioning to the couch as he took his spot in front of the laptop.

  My body was aching as I hobbled over to the couch. Blisters on the back of my heels had already started forming, and I knew from the burn in my calves, I’d have charley horses all night long when I finally slept.

  “It has to get pretty lonely all the way up here,” I hinted, finishing my whiskey with one good gulp.

  “I’d say it’s more peaceful than lonely. You’re the one who always needed a warm body in your bed,” he teased.

  I couldn’t deny that statement. I did always tend to seek out company of the female kind whenever possible. Xander kept to himself, and now that I thought about it, I didn’t think I’d ever seen him with a woman.

  “You ready to settle down yet?” Xander asked, his bushy blond eyebrows pushing up on his forehead.

  “You know I don’t believe in marriage. That isn’t for me,” I scoffed.

  He didn’t let his eyes lift from mine; his stare was intense. “Don’t you want to start a family?” he probed. His tone was serious, which kind of freaked me out. This wasn’t a topic that men talked about, especially Navy men.

  “Why bring a kid up in this world? It’s filled with hate and danger,” I proclaimed with the same seriousness that Xander exuded.

  “You know Taylor Madden is back in town,” he smirked, standing and walking back towards the kitchen.

  My heart raced at the mention of her name. “Yeah, I’ve seen her,” I admitted while he was in the other room and eye contact wasn’t an issue.

  “Oh yeah?” he chuckled, walking back into the room with the bottle of whiskey.

  He filled our glasses, and then placed the bottle on the table in front of us. The label was a picture of a mountain, with a man, bearded and long-haired, standing on the top. I chuckled as I imagined it was created to mimic Xander. His own cartoon figure was even tough and rugged.

  “She’s one hell ova’ woman. It’s a shame what happened to her family,” he sighed, leaning back on the couch.

  I hadn’t talked to her about Tommy, but she did bring up the topic of her father. It was a shame; they were an amazing family, and I knew Taylor was close to them. “It is,” is all I said on the topic, not wanting to disclose details about her personal life if Xander hadn’t already known how her father died.

  “Didn’t you have the hots for her?” he nudged me hard in the ribs with his elbow.

  “I wouldn’t say that,” I lied.

  I did have the hots for Taylor, right around my senior year. I’d already signed up for the Navy with Tommy, and he threatened to kick my ass when I mentioned his sister was growing up into a beautiful woman. He was right to. She didn’t deserve the pain of loving a man in the military. My life was uncertain, and she deserved certainty.

  Xander started talking about Tommy, which led into Isaac, and then our other brothers, lost and still living. He really had kept tabs on everyone. I was on the edge of my seat, soaking in every last word he spoke, intrigued to learn about my brothers and how they were progressing in life since leaving the Navy. A couple stayed in, but everyone else bailed after their years were up, including me. I couldn’t take anymore. After losing my best friend, holding him in my arms while he took his last breath, I was done.

  It was getting late when Xander finished talking, and the bottle that was in front of us. “I better get back,” I reasoned, knowing it would get dark just as I hit the beach where I’d parked my car a block away.

  “I’ll throw you a pillow if ya wanna take the guest room. You’re welcome to stay,” he offered.

  My sore back, throbbing calves, and blistered feet really considered his offer, but I needed to get back. “I appreciate it, but I’m gonna head out,” I replied, slapping my old friend on the back as I stood.

  My socks were nearly dry, but my shoes were still drenched. Xander held up his finger to tell me to hold on while he rushed into the back room. He came out holding dry socks, and a pair of boots that he swore would keep my feet dry on the trip. “Keep em’, but come back up and visit anytime,” he offered.

  I wasn’t sure I’d be making that trip again anytime soon. “I’m only here a month, so I’ll do my best,” I agreed. I knew I’d mentioned bringing Taylor along, but I wasn’t sure she could handle this trip. It was hard on me, and I’d been trained to handle those conditions.

  I took Xander’s number, laughing that he’d chosen e-mail with coordinates instead of calling me
before. It was good to see him, and even though he was all alone on that mountain top, it was obvious he was happy.

  Chapter Ten

  Taylor

  Mrs. Hannah sat in my big comfy chair hugging one of the bright colored pillows as she spoke. It was her second visit in a week, and after listening to the stress she lived under, it surprised me she wasn’t scheduled for more visits. “I think you are a very strong woman. Don’t underestimate your ability to cope with stress,” I told her with a smile.

  “You know, just hearing those affirmations helps me more than you’ll ever know,” she gushed.

  It was nice to know that my method of counseling was helping her, especially after only seeing her twice. “I look forward to next week. I used to dread these sessions,” she winced, and then brightened up quickly with a smile.

  I could only imagine how Mitchell handled her issues. Probably like most men who see a woman stressed out, telling her to relax, take a nap, or to try medication. I smiled, stood, and shook her hand as she said her goodbyes.

  “Have a good weekend,” she waved as she exited my office. She closed the door behind her, leaving me to ponder what I was going to do for two days without work. I knew I planned on bringing home some of the files of the new patients Mitchell passed on to me, but other than that, I had no plans.

  Elijah hadn’t contacted me since our night out, our dinner, our date. Whatever it was. It most likely wasn’t a date since he hadn’t called, or at least sent a text since.

  He was probably busy with the house, trying his best to get it fixed in record time so he could run back to the states. He probably had someone in Miami waiting on him anyways.

  I packed up my briefcase, locked up my office, and walked out to my car. Mitchell was still in a session, and I didn’t feel like waiting around to tell him goodbye. I drove away from the office and almost made it past Madison’s bakery, but I couldn’t resist. My stomach started growling as soon as I pulled into her parking lot and got the first whiff of the delicious sweet treats she’d baked inside.

  “Taylor,” she waved, quickly greeting me as I walked into her store. Her hair was pulled back into a net, and the apron she wore was covered in chocolate icing. “New creation?” I chuckled, motioning to her mess.

  “Yes, chocolate-covered Twinkies, deep fried, and then sprinkled with powdered sugar,” she exclaimed, her eyes widening as she spoke.

  It was no wonder her hips were wide, and her arms were beginning to thicken. I knew I’d already gained three or four pounds since discovering her bakery. “Mad scientist, always at work,” she laughed, reaching behind her to untie the apron. “You seem down; what’s wrong?” Madison asked, pulling the net from her curly red hair. “Hasn’t he called yet?”

  I shook my head. “I didn’t expect him to,” I lied.

  “Men: they are a pain in our ass,” she scoffed, and then pulled my hand as she walked towards a table in the back. “I’m so irritated with Joey right now, I could spit,” Madison griped as she slid into one of the small café style chairs.

  “What’s wrong?” I asked, not really sure I wanted to know. Joey was a jerk, that much I already knew, but I couldn’t tell Madison that, even if she was mad at him. I sat down, pulled out my counseling ears, and listened.

  Madison complained about his behavior, saying he was distant and acting strange. “Now that Johnny’s single, he wants to run around with him. I need my freedom, he tells me. Can you believe that?” she went on.

  It was becoming clear why she was so quick to set me up with Johnny; apparently this isn’t the first time Joey has followed his brother’s dating status. It was difficult to listen to Madison telling me how many times Joey had broken up with her, just so he could go out and chase women with his brother. “As soon as Johnny finds someone, he comes crawling back,” she smirked as if that made her proud.

  “Why do you keep letting him come back?” I asked, knowing I needed to be very careful not to cross the bounds of our friendship. Women were often very defensive of their men, especially when their behavior was less than desirable, and I knew Madison had a history of chasing the bad boys.

  “He loves me,” she sighed, her face not matching her words. I could see the stress, the pain in her eyes, but I knew better than to push it any further.

  “I’m sorry, Madison,” I consoled, refusing to fall into the trap where I give her advice she doesn’t take, and then resents me for years to come.

  My mind drifted to Elijah, secretly wishing he would call. I’d love to see him again. Maybe I should call him? I’m a strong, independent woman; there’s no reason why I can’t take the lead, is there? I knew I wasn’t bold enough.

  Madison was ranting about Joey flirting with a waitress while they were out the other night, and I was trying to look as if I was listening, even though I’d tuned out most of what she said. “Please come out with us tonight,” she asked. That I heard.

  “Us?” I questioned.

  “Yeah, Joey, Johnny, and me,” she explained. Hell no!

  “I really don’t want to lead him on. There’s nothing about him that I like,” I asserted, realizing honesty may be the only way out of this. “He was kind of a jerk,” I added.

  “I know he is. I’m sorry I tried to set you up with him. I thought he’d changed, or that he would for a good woman like you. I just really need him distracted so Joey will pay attention to me again,” she whined.

  I hated to see Madison upset. What could it hurt? “Okay, but I’m not dressing up, and I’m not putting up with his bad behavior. If he does or says anything inappropriate, I’m gonna tell him, and I may end up leaving,” I warned her.

  “Okay, okay,” she blurted, nearly jumping out of her seat to hug me around my neck. “You’re the best. I’ll owe you one,” she promised.

  As I left the bakery, my skin crawled at the thought of what I’d agreed to. Why would I want Joey to pay attention to her? He was just as big a jerk as his brother. She’d be better off if he left her alone. Ugh!

  As I walked into my front door, my phone started ringing. I reached into my purse, pulled it out, and smiled as Elijah’s name came across the screen. “Hello,” I answered.

  “Hello there. How are you?” he asked, his voice deep and seductive.

  “I’m great. I made it through my first week without destroying anyone’s life,” I joked.

  “Good girl. I made it up the mountain to see Xander without destroying my life,” he chuckled.

  “Oh wow. How was he? And, was it as bad as you thought, getting there?” I replied.

  “Xander is great; better than great actually. And, yes, it was much worse,” he sighed.

  I fell onto the couch, sinking into the cushions while he told me all about his trek up the mountain and his encounter with a tarantula. “That’s why I haven’t called; I’m really sorry. My back was in bad shape after that, and I was lucky to get six hours of work in at the house before falling face down on my hotel bed,” he explained.

  “Hotel bed? You’re not staying at the house?” I questioned.

  “No,” he replied with no further explanation as to why. Are the memories that bad?

  My heart ached for Elijah. I wanted to reach out and wrap my arms around him. Damn, I wished I could see him. “What are you doing tonight?” he asked, making my wish come true, and crushing it instantly when I realized what I’d promised.

  “I’m going out with Madison,” I sighed.

  “You sound really excited about that,” he laughed.

  I explained the situation, figuring he’d think I was an idiot for agreeing to go again. “You’re a good friend,” he said sweetly.

  “I feel like a good friend would tell her to dump her idiot of a boyfriend,” I groaned.

  “Oh no! That’s how you lose friends. They always end up taking the idiot’s side over yours,” he chuckled.

  He wasn’t wrong. That’s why I’d kept my mouth shut. Madison was my only friend on the island, besides Elijah, and he was le
aving in a few weeks.

  “Well, how about I take you to a nice dinner tomorrow night to make up for your bad double date,” he asked.

  “Please don’t call it a date,” I moaned. “But, I would love to have dinner with you tomorrow,” I added.

  “Good, then it’s a date. Wait, am I not allowed to call tonight a date, or tomorrow a date? Or neither?” he teased playfully.

  My heart raced. He called it a date. “Just tonight; that’s certainly not a date,” I smiled.

  Chapter Eleven

  Elijah

  The small hotel towel barely wrapped around my waist as I got out of the shower, and the tiny soaps they provided had a strange smell. I’d have to go shopping later for the things I needed. It was inconvenient to stay in a hotel, especially since the hotel was more of a resort, and families swarmed the pool with their screaming kids. I wasn’t staying at the house though, no matter how inconvenient it was for me. I’d burn that place down if it didn’t stand to make a pretty penny once sold.

  I slipped into a nice pair of jeans and found a short-sleeved button-up shirt that wasn’t wrinkled from being crammed into my bag.

  I was excited to see Taylor, and to hear how her double not-date had gone.

  Why was I so nervous? I’d known her for what felt like forever.

  I walked into the hotel lounge where the fathers of the screaming kids all drowned their stress with fruity cocktails with tiny umbrellas. I struggled not to laugh as I leaned into the bar between two sunburnt sad sacks wearing bright floral shirts. “Jack, please,” I ordered my drink from a pretty blonde bartender with large breasts, one of the obvious reasons for the dad’s hanging around.